Carlo Ancelotti has publicly wished Xabi Alonso, widely tipped to succeed him as Real Madrid manager, well ahead of his final match in charge at the Santiago Bernabéu.
While Real Madrid has not yet formally announced Alonso’s appointment, the Bayer Leverkusen coach is the frontrunner to take over the reins this summer, prior to the Club World Cup.
Speaking before Saturday’s La Liga game against Real Sociedad – his last home match – Ancelotti offered supportive words for his likely successor during Friday’s press conference. “I don’t want to give him advice—everyone has their footballing ideas,” the Italian stated. “Xabi is next in line. I wish him all the luck in the world. He’s got the qualities needed to manage this club and this team. I hope he enjoys it.”
Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder, recently guided Leverkusen to an undefeated Bundesliga title in 2024, along with a German Cup victory, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.
Ancelotti, 65, will depart Madrid after two spells totaling six seasons, during which he secured 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles, two La Liga championships, and two Copa del Rey wins. He is set to take over the Brazilian national team this summer.
The experienced manager acknowledged that his farewell would be an emotional occasion. “It’s in my genes—I get emotional very easily. My grandfather and father were the same,” he said. “Tomorrow will be a very emotional day. I have no issue if I end up crying. I won’t hide it—it will be a beautiful day.”
Saturday’s match will also mark Luka Modrić’s final appearance at the Bernabéu. The Croatian midfielder is expected to play in the Club World Cup in the United States before his departure from Madrid. “I’ll be sharing the occasion with Luka,” Ancelotti noted. “He’s been a huge part of this era at Real Madrid—fantastic, a true legend. It’s nice to say goodbye together.”
Ancelotti also shared a heartfelt farewell message on social media, describing his connection with Real Madrid as “eternal.” “I carry every moment of this second spell in my heart,” he wrote. “These years have been unforgettable—an incredible journey filled with emotion, trophies, and, above all, the pride of representing this badge… My bond with Real Madrid is eternal.”
The club officially confirmed his departure on Friday, a year before his contract was set to expire, just under two weeks after Brazil officially announced his appointment as their new head coach.
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In a statement, Real Madrid expressed, “Our club would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to a man who is a true legend of Real Madrid and world football.”
Club president Florentino Pérez added, “Carlo Ancelotti will always be part of the great Madridista family. We are proud to have had a coach who not only brought us great success but who has also represented the club’s values so well.”
During his initial tenure, Ancelotti led Real Madrid to their coveted tenth European title in 2014. He returned in 2021 and added two more Champions League trophies in 2022 and 2024.
With a total of five Champions League titles – two with AC Milan and three with Madrid – Ancelotti remains the most decorated manager in the competition’s history.
